NFL Scout Links Bills to Tee Higgins, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk After Trading Back
April 26, 2024
As the Buffalo Bills wait to make their first pick in the 2024 NFL draft until the second round begins on Friday night, they could use their extra time to explore the trade market for one of several wide receivers who might be available.
Per ESPN's Matt Miller, one team scout suggested the Bills could use Friday to try working out a deal for Tee Higgins, Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk.
All three players could be available, though the extent to which their current teams are exploring deals appears to vary.
Higgins requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals last month after receiving the franchise tag. The 25-year-old has said he anticipates remaining with the team in 2024.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bengals and Higgins haven't engaged in talks about a long-term contract in more than one year.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported the San Francisco 49ers were having trade conversations with teams, including one picking in the top 10 of the first round, with Aiyuk or Samuel mentioned as potential trade candidates.
Even though no trade happened in the first round, based on the draft results from Thursday, it does seem more likely that one of the 49ers' players will get traded instead of Higgins.
The 49ers used their first-round pick at No. 31 overall to select Florida wideout Ricky Pearsall. The Bengals' pick at No. 18 was Georgia tackle Amarius Mims.
If San Francisco's previously reported asking price of a first-round pick for Aiyuk is still what the team is seeking, that would seem to make Samuel the odd man out if a trade is going to happen.
That would also be the right decision from a practical standpoint. Samuel is two years older than Aiyuk and is prone to injuries. The South Carolina alum has missed 15 games over the past four seasons.
Aiyuk is angling for a new contract as he is set to enter the final season of his rookie deal. Samuel is signed through 2025 with a $20.97 million base salary next season.
Given the number of quality receivers still available, the Bengals could opt to select one of them if they want to trade Higgins.
The Bills are looming over everything in the receiver market. They opted not to make a pick in the first round by trading down twice, giving them the first pick of the second round (No. 33 overall) and a total of three selections on day two.
Buffalo's receiver depth chart currently features Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Justin Shorter, Mack Hollins, KJ Hamler and Andy Isabella.
It feels almost certain the Bills will end Friday with at least one new wideout on their roster. It's just not clear if that player will come via trade or the draft.